When shopping for women's handbags or an accessory, you'll find that there are many options available. Before you begin your shopping, review the following terminology. Knowing more about your options will leave you feeling better equipped to make a smart purchase in the store.

Handbag - A handbag is simply a bag, made of a variety of materials, that's used by women to hold personal items. This term encompasses a variety of styles, makes, and trends. It is often interchangeable with the term purse.

Messenger Bag - A messenger bag is a popular larger handbag with a long, single strap that is worn across one's body. The wearer places the strap over her head, on one shoulder, and then lays it to the side toward her hip. Messenger bags are both fashionable and convenient, and can be made of nylon or leather.

Clutch - A clutch is a more fashionable designer piece that women wear with evening gowns. Often not small enough to hold a wallet, a clutch is often a strapless purse that can be used to carry smaller items such as rings, makeup, credit cards, or sunglasses. A clutch is often chosen by color, not utility, so it can match an accessory, the wearer's dress, or shoes.

Tote - A tote refers to any open-topped bag with two straps. Often, a tote is a larger purse that can be used to store books, shoes, and other larger items. It can be fashionable, as well, and some designer totes are made of very expensive leather.

Shoulder Bag - This term refers to a subset of purses that are worn over a single shoulder. Often with a long strap, these bags can be large, small, leather, vinyl, or fabric. The variety is endless for shoulder bags. Consider dressy and casual bags for your wardrobe.

A well designed purse or handbag can instantly improve any outfit. Most women know this! And most women also know that it can be a bit tricky to find the perfect handbag or accessory.
If you're a woman in need of a new handbag or purse, you've probably spent many hours scouring clothing stores for the perfect bag. You probably already know what type of bag you want: a messenger bag, a tote bag, or a classic handbag. You probably also know whether you want this bag to come with a wallet, or with another accessory of some sort.
You've probably also thought about how large you want your handbag or purse to be. You've considered how many jewelry pieces, sunglasses, rings, and bracelets you want to be able to fit inside it. You've considered whether or not you want your bag to have a pouch for your sunglasses or a small scarf. You've also considered whether you want your bag to be large, with shoulder straps, or small, without them.
You've undoubtedly decided whether you want your bag to be leather or cloth, and you probably know which brands you like best. You've probably also considered which styles are the trendiest and the most popular.
You may have even considered how your bag will fit into your existing wardrobe, and whether it will match most of your clothing and foot wear. You may have even decided which of your shoes, your leather boots or your running shoes, you ought to wear with your bag. Or, you may decide on a bag to match the season.
Choosing a fashionable bag isn't easy, and most women put a considerable amount of work into finding the perfect one!